Bikaner District, Rajasthan

 The district of Bikaner lies in the north west part of the district of Rajasthan. It is a part of the Thar desert and is also referred to as the Desert District. The place is a treasure trove of rich culture, heritage, ancient royal history, amazing architecture, mesmerizing palaces, havelis and forts. It is a must visit place on a visit to the State. It is full of amazing temples, forts, museums, castles, wildlife sanctuaries, animal reserves and a rich and varied culture that is an intricate part of the lives of the people here. Folk songs, music, rich and intricate handicrafts, miniature paintings, ornamental designs, various religious festivals and events entice the visitor not only from all over the country but also internationally. It has religious pilgrimage significance along with innumerable attractions all over the district that add to its allure.

It is also home to one of the world's largest research and breeding camel farms. Camel riding and camping in the Great Indian Desert is one of the most popular activities preferred by the tourists. 

Here are more details about the place. 

Area - 30,247 sq.km

Elevation - 238 meters

Population -  23,63,937 as per 2011 Census

Population rank in India - 190th out of 640

District Headquarters - Bikaner City

Administrative Division - Bikaner

Number of Talukas - 8

Talukas - Bikaner, Chhattargarh, Shri Dungargarh, Kolayat, Khajuwala, 

Loonkaransar, Nokha, Pugal. 

Villages - 1498

Languages Spoken - Marwari, Hindi, Rajasthani, Punjabi

Geographical Borders -

North -  Ganganagar

Northeast - Hanumangarh

Northwest - Punjab, Pakistan

South - Jodhpur

Southeast - Nagaur

Southwest - Jaisalmer

East - Churu

Primary Crops - Rabi, Mustard seeds, Chickpea, Cotton, Wheat, Sesame, Moth bean, Pearl millet, Cluster beans, Groundnuts

Water Sources - Indira Gandhi Canal 

Natural Resources - Minerals, Animal resources 

Economy - Agriculture, Tourism, Industries like Ceramics and Tiles, Food products, Woolen Carpets, Agro-based, Mining etc

Distance from - 

Jodhpur - 297 kms 

Jaipur - 399 kms

New Delhi - 464 kms

Mumbai - 1217 kms

How to reach :-

Via Airways - The nearest airport is Naal Airport, at a distance of 13 kms. It is operated by ( AAI ) Airport Authority Of India. 

Via Railways - Bikaner Railways comes under the North Western Zone of the Indian Railways.

It is well connected to most major cities in and out of the State. The iconic Palace on Wheels  includes Bikaner in its 8 day tour of the State. 

Via Roadways - The district is linked via NH 11, NH 15 and NH 89 to most major cities all over the country. Luxury bus services are easily available all over Bikaner.

Unique Local handicrafts / Artefacts -

Meenakari, Ornamental Stone Work, Miniature Paintings, Usta Art, Carpet Weaving etc

Tourist attractions include - 

Jorbeed, Bikaner Camel Festival, Dhawa Doli Wildlife Sanctuary,  Deshnoke (Worship of rats )

Deshroke Karni Mata Mandir, Laxmi Niwas Palace, Bhandasar Jain Temple

Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, Gajner Palace and  Lake, Ganga singh Museum. Junagarh fort,  fatehpur Shekhawati, karni Mata Mandir 

Kodamdesar Temple and Lake, Lallgarh Palace and Museum, Royal Cenotaphs, Devikund Sagar Kolayat, Rampuria Haveli, Pothran fort, Prachina Museum, Ganga Govt Museum , National Research Research Centre on Camels. Shiv Bari Temple, Shri Laxminath Temple. Sadul Singh Museum, Raisar Dune, Sursagar Lake, Darbari Lake

Events to attend - Camel festival, Kolayat, Ganguar

Bikaneri Food - includes dishes that last for a long time without going bad in the high and dry climatic conditions. Buttermilk, Butter, Besan ( Chickpeas flour ) are an inherent part of the cuisine. Delicacies like gatte ki sabji, Khata, pakodi are very popular.

Emergency Contact Information -

District Collector Phone Number - 9530322633

Helpline Numbers : 

1. Police Helpline - 100

2. Fire Brigade Helpline - 101

3. Ambulance Helpline - 108

4. Sampark Helpline - 181

5. ChildLine Helpline - 1098

Images - Tourism website Wikipedia, www.mapsofindia and www.thrillophilia.com 

Bikaner Kite Festival On Akshay Tritiya

 

Day - Akshay Tritiya

Date as per Gregorian Calendar - April or May 

Month -  वैशाख मास, शुक्ल पक्ष, तृतीय तिथि

Hindu month of Vaishakh, third lunar day of the bright fortnight.

Occasion - Formation day of the city of Bikaner

Started By - Rao Bikaji by flying round moon ( chanda ) kites

Special Meal - Khichra, Vadi ki Sabji, along with cooling drinks like Thandai and Imlani

The city of Bikaner in the state of Rajasthan celebrates Akshay Tritiya as its foundation day. Accordingly, on this day, Rao Bikaji had  celebrated by flying circular kites, representative of the Moon, and ever since this day has come to be celebrated by flying thousands of Kites, of all colours, sizes, shapes by the citizens of this colourful and historical city.

This is not just a festival for the citizens but an inseparable part of their life, culture and existence. The exuberance, festivities, decorations of the historic places on the city by lights, such as The Maharaja Ganga Singh Monument is a sight to behold once the evening sets in.

Meanwhile, right from many days before the festival,  buying of kites, Charkhi, Manjha ( Thread glued with ground glass ) begins in earnest. Women folk get busy making sweets,savouries and special meals on this day. All over the city, roofs and terraces are filled with families flying kites high in the sky with the women and children playing the supporting roles of holding the Charkhi for the men. The colorful clothes of the women, glasses to shade from the intense heat of the sun, and shouts of  Boi katya fill the landscape. The festivities and excitement lasts all day long with kites - cutting fights and contests. Local kite flying clubs also arrange contests and get - together. Nowadays, kite lovers and fliers from out of the country also come over to participate in the competitions.

The sky is filled with thousands of colourful  kites flying high in the sky and swaying with the gentle breeze. People get innovative in the shape of the kites with some going as far as making a train of 10 kites to fly together like a chain. Traditional kites are still round like the moon with many having special social messages written on them.The joy and happiness is palpable across all strata of the society.

Come evening, people wind up by going for a drive around the city to look at the beautiful buildings, clubs, palaces, monuments lit up. Nowadays, paper lanterns are also lit that float in the night sky adding to the beauty of the illuminated skyline. Snacks and eateries are available in plenty. Families and friends have a gala time enjoying the day together. 

As it is, the day of Akshay Tritya is one of the holiest festivals  in the Hindu community. On top of that it is even more special and significant for the citizens of this historic and tradition bound city of Bikaner as it doubles up their celebration on account of it being the Birthday of their city. The festivities, joy and happiness felt all around is something to be experienced to be truly understood.

Images - flickr and Youtube account of Rakesh Sharma

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